Graveyard Gold with Mark Worman

Mark Worman here. The Undertaker, The Dream Maker, The Love Taker, don’t you mess around with me. Wait, I think that last moniker may harbor the vaguest hint of plagiarism. Yes, my legal team is advising me to cease and desist using that title.

OK, OK, so I ripped off Pat Benatar, so what? “It doesn’t matter who said them first, I am passing my wisdom on to you …” said Sir David Brent. All right, fine, I admit I don’t write all of my material, I may have borrowed a few lines from TV and movies, so what? Robert W. Thompson may have been credited with first inventing the tire, John Boyd Dunlop, the second, but you don’t need their names on a tire to carry you to safety, do ya?

I think now would be a great time to take the off-ramp from that slippery highway and get back to all things cars. And I’d like to start by sharing my thoughts with current and future readers of Mopar Muscle.

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I admit that my articles are usually based on my highly subjective expertise (read: opinion), at least when it comes to what made this or that car great; or why this or that happened, when there’s no factual explanation available and that’s OK. I keep to the facts where there are facts to quote, and I gladly share my experience with all when it comes to the restoration of Chrysler muscle cars. But when it comes to opinions, well, that’s all they are, my opinions. So while some of you may disagree about what features on a Mopar most sear their indelible carbon tracks on your hearts, remember it’s all subject to one’s personal predilections.

I will quote from the brilliant Paul Simon now, “When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it’s a wonder I can think at all. And though my lack of education hasn’t hurt me none, I can see the writing on the wall.” Opening lyrics from the July 7th, 1973 #2 Billboard hit song, “Kodachrome.” While I’m not his biggest fan in the world, I sure do recognize raw talent and appreciate thought-provoking lyrics. In fact, the chorus of the same song, is what this installment of “Beyond the Grave” is about.

“Kodachrome … They give us those nice bright colors, they give us the greens of summers, makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.” Just swap out “Kodachrome” for “Mopar” and read along as I share my opinion on the old proverb, “All that glitters is not gold.”

In 1970, Dodge and Plymouth threw their collective hats in the ponycar ring — big time. The design cues of the ’70 Barracuda and Challenger revolutionized what a ponycar, a muscle car, should be and would be for generations to come. No question that even today, nearly 50 years later, they stand as two of the most seductive and stylish body designs in automotive history. However, the mindful and creative team of designers at Ma Mopar, weren’t finished — not by a mile.

Styling is one thing, engines and drivetrains, sales options, pricing, well that’s all part of the ride, pun intended. Color — vibrant, prepossessing color — that’s what Mopar may be best known for during the late ’60s and early ’70s. But as I said, “All that glitters is not gold.” Yeah, I know, I stole that one too.

Graveyard Cars just finished one of its most beautiful restorations. That’s saying a lot, considering some of the formidable contenders from our past. I’m sure many of you reading this have witnessed our restorations of some of the most valuable and rare Mopar muscle cars on the planet — like a 1971 ’Cuda 440+6, four-speed, Shaker Hood in EV2 Tor Red or a ’69 Daytona, one of only 503 ever made. Recently, we brought back a 1970 Coronet R/T, 426 Hemi, convertible, four-speed — one of only two made and the only one left in existence. Not to belabor the point, but the list goes on and on. Nonetheless, this stunning example of the famed ponycar, will melt your heart and satiate your senses.

Let’s break this gem down by the numbers and remember, a Body Code Plate, aka Fender Tag, is read left to right and bottom to top:

So, as you can see, this Challenger isn’t only rare, it’s also a beautiful balance of both muscle and luxury. Fortunately, it was a very complete car to start with, but that’s not to say it was without its hidden sins. We had to replace front inner fenders, front floors, rear step wells, under seat pan, trunk floor, trunk floor extensions, quarter-panels, and multiple patches due to Midwest rust.

In the end, we were able to save much of the original interior, chrome, and trim. With the options this car has, it’s a dream to drive. Air conditioning, power windows, speed control, and all the time you’re riding on rich Corinthian leather. OK, maybe not Corinthian, but it’s leather. Sorry, I was channeling Ricardo for a moment.

Now returned 100 percent to its original, assembly line condition, this car is ready to give its owner another 50 years of fun and stake its claim as Graveyard Gold, without the glitter.